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Blog Entry 13 of 39 Ask the Dog Guy
The Dog Guy (me) answers questions about dog behavior/misbehavior.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~AsktheDogGuy

On-Line Training

Contributed by: Dave Pearson   on 4/25/2008


Dear Dog Guy.

In this day and age, it seems like you can get just about anything over the Internet. I even read your advice over the Internet. What is your opinion of the on-line dog training programs?

Wondering in wonderland

Dear Wondering,

My dad used to chide me about always trying to find an easier way to accomplish something. He'd say something like, "If you spent as much time doing what you need to do as you do trying to figure out an easier way to do it, you'd be done."

He was right then, and even though he is no longer with us, he is right today.

As a certified trainer, I've looked over most (can't say all as they pop up nearly every day) of the on-line programs and find most of them offer good advise. Many are from legitimate trainers or training organizations and know what to do. My experience is that most of them say the right things.

But that's only half the battle. The real issue is will you take the time and have the patience to do what they advise. Nothing in canine training is fast and easy. If an adult pooch has issues, it most likely took some time for them to develop and it will take some time to correct them. Same goes with puppies. Depending on the breed, age, environment, etc, simple house breaking, i.e. teaching the pooch to go outside, not inside, can take weeks and will require the owner's attention and patience.

Probably the best-known trainer today is Cesar Millan, who hosts a television program on the National Geographic channel. He is VERY controversial in the industry, in my opinion mostly because of professional jealousy from others that are less successful. However, his show does not help people understand that training is not a one-time event, but a lifetime commitment. On "The Dog Whisperer," a pooch has an issue or two, Cesar shows up and solves it - all within the 30 minutes or so that the program runs. People get the idea that everything is quick and simple. Well it isn't. Very often the issues have complex causes, having to do with the breed, the environment, and other outside issues. A good trainer will analyze all the factors prior to coming up with a proposed solution. The proposed solution may take weeks or even years to work... or it may not work at all and an alternative solution must be arrived at.

Remember, there is no quick fix to most issues. It takes time and patience and any time you spend trying to find a quicker, easier way is most likely a waste of time. The older I get, the smarter my dad is.




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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Dave Pearson

Arvada , CO

Dave Pearson has posted 39 blog entries and 2 comments since joining on 1/7/2008. Dave Pearson 's average blog rating is 5.
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